A POOLE care home was filled with song during visits from two schools.

Last month Dorset House, run by Care South, welcomed students from Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School for performances – and the chance to form intergenerational friendships.

Cornerstone Academy was the first school to entertain staff and residents, singing a handful of songs, while some children sat with the residents and recited poems.

One mini-rockstar brought his guitar and impressed everyone with his talent, with one resident calling him a ‘future star’.

Hamworthy Park Junior School visited the following day, with students from the extra-curricular school choir club taking part.

And after serenading everyone, students took the time to bond with residents and discuss all things summer holidays, from Disney cruises, trips to Australia and camping.

Resident Thelma said: “The children brought tears to my eyes.”

A student and resident get to know each other

Neil Dominy, home manager at Dorset House, said the care home has long-standing partnerships with schools and nursery groups, with the aim of forging intergenerational friendships, helping residents’ wellbeing.

“Our home is always enhanced by visits from schools and nurseries,” he said.

“It was a wonderful gesture from the students of Cornerstone Academy and Hamworthy Park Junior School to visit us and make special memories with everyone.

“The residents and staff loved it, and it’s so warming to overhear their conversations with the children.”

Dorset House, in Hamworthy, Poole, is part of Care South, a not-for-profit charity and leading provider of residential and home care across the south of England.